Android is the most commonly used OS around the globe. It is based on Linux kernel and currently developed by Google. Android is designed for touchscreen handsets such as smartphone and tablet computers, with advance user interfaces for televisions (Android TV), Android wears and many more. It has many features available for uses, but missing some function like taking a complete backup. If your Android is Unlocked i.e. rooted then you can have access to all the features. But rooting void the warranty so everyone stays away from rooting.
So the question is how to take complete backup of your phone without root? So here’s the answer for your question.
Contents
Requirements:
- Android Device Bridge(adb) installed
- Drivers of your phone
- USB cable to connect your phone to PC
Enable USB Debugging
- First of all you need to turn on USB Debugging on your phone. To turn it on Go to Settings>About Phone.
- Keep taping on Build Number till a message pops saying “Enable Developer Option”.
- Now press back and you will see an Option above the About Phone named “Developer options”. Click on it and search for “USB Debugging” or “Android Debugging” (name might differ from device to device) and check the box in front of it. Now you have enable USB Debugging on your phone.
The Backup Procedure:
- Now open command prompt. To open it open run windows by pressing Windows key + R and type “cmd” , and press Enter.
Open Command Prompt - Now type the following command to check if your device is detected.
adb devices
- Once your devices is detected, type the following command to take backup.
adb backup -apk -shared -all -f C:\Users\User\Namebackup.ab
- And press Enter. A Screen will pop-up on the devices for confirmation of backup process, now press “Backup My Data”. You can also encrypt your data with password.
- The backup will be saved the location C:\Users\UserName\ named “backup.ab”
Now you have taken the backup and you should know how to restore it.
Steps to Restore the Backup
- Follow the step 1 & 2 given above in taking backup.
- Now type the command
adb restore C:\Users\UserName\backup.ab
- Your data will be restored.
Hi there.
Thanks for the article
I get a connection with adb devices, as “e7f75ffd device” after I authorize on my phone.
Debugging is enabled.
When I run the command “adb backup -apk -shared -all -f e:\OnePlusBackup\backup.ab”
It creates a folder on my PC called “backup.ab”
Then I get an error message :
“adb: unable to open file e:\OnePlusBackup\backup.ab”
I get no dialog on my phone asking my permission.
Any suggestions?
You should use C:\ not e:\
No.
On my Windows machine, C: is an SSD drive, used for boot, and Windows.
Even apps are on e:/ProgramFiles
Hi Maurice
Thanks for your comment. Can you please quote the version of Windows that you’re using? That would be helpful. However do try the following:
As you’re willing to save the backup to a custom folder, please directly open the directory in CMD i.e. E:/OnePlusBackup. To do that, create the OnePlusBackupfolder if not already created and then pass the following command in Command Prompt – CD E:\OnePlusBackup
After that pass the following command to initiate the backup:
adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab
Let me know how it goes 🙂 One thing to mention here is that the apps which have backups deliberately disabled in their manifest cannot be backed up using ADB.
Frankly, once one knows this limitation / bug, it is simple enough to cd to the path of the backup target, then run the command.
As I mentioned earlier report, that DOES work.
Agreed, Maurice. I’ll make sure that the article is altered accordingly so that others don’t have to scroll through the comments.
“Unauthorized” can be solved by allowing debugging mode on your device.
Then, when you try an adb command, you should see a message on the screen of your Android device asking you to authorize a connection or command. Give it permission on your Android device and “unauthorized” will go away next time you try and it will show the serial number and the device name, or just “device”
Fixed. Did not notice the message on my phone asking for permission.
Still does not respond for backup though, see message sent at 1:05 for details
Thanks!
Android 4.4.2 on galaxy s4 mini black ed. PC with Windows 10 latest version
When I type (as Adm) adb devices in both cmd and PowerShell, the result is e0b73dd4 unauthorized
Any idea why?
Thanks.
Hi there
Samsung S4
Im having trouble with the Adb. Is that link about for the adb drivers applicable for all devices?
My seaches keep telling me I need to install the java jdk.
I would really like to save my data before its too late.
Kind Regards
Stu
Yes, the link is applicable for all devices.
What does it say’s when you type “adb devices” ?
This article is good and will use for my cellphone backup.
thank you saif ghole..
Good to here you liked the article.. 🙂
For me its constantly saying in the command prompt that “‘adb’ is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable prgram or batch file.” What do I do? I want to reset my Samsung Galaxy Note II, ASAP.
You need to install the Adb drivers.
You can download them from here. 🙂
type “adb devices” and check if your phone is detected..
I follow the steps, and the HTC is detected after typing “adb devices”. I Just feel like this method is cool. :-D.
I will find some apps on Google Play to backup my data.
Thanks the post any way.:)
Welcome. 😀
Good to here, you liked the post. 😀
The is a nice article. I have tested it for some Android phones.
But according to my test, My HTC One (Android 4.4.2) can not responded when I type “Backup” instruction by using ADB. I don’t Know Why, I have unlocked my HTC One.
My Nexus 5 (Android 5.1.1) can backup app by ADB. I also try to backup only one app.
Does this method have some Restrictions?
I don’t think there are any restrictions.Can you say what error do you get while using the above instruction..?
If you have rooted your HTC one then you can take backup through custom recovery..:-D
To My HTC one, after I input “adb backup -apk -shared -all -f C:newhtcbackup.ab”. there is nothing happen on my HTC. I can not see the interface on step 4. So I can not press “Backup My Data”.
You said: “If you have rooted your HTC one then you can take backup through custom recovery”
Do you suggest me bakup my data into Recovery Mode?